How exactly do you safely climb to 19,341 feet? You’ll want to take your time to let your body properly adjust to the elevation; hiking at steady pace and choosing a longer climb will greatly increase your ability to acclimatize.

Trekkers on longer routes, 9 or 10 days, will have enough acclimatization time under their belt to safely stay at higher elevations, which opens up the opportunity to summit during the day. This is our favorite approach to Uhuru Peak, as you’ll have a full night’s sleep, encouraging daylight and fewer climbers on the trail. In fact, you’ll have two chances to stand atop Kilimanjaro; in the afternoon of your ascent, or the following morning before you start heading back down!